Environmental Impact of Human Activities on Oceans

Earth, referred to as Terra or our globe, is the home of Homo sapiens.
Human activities have significantly impacted the planet throughout our short existence.

One of the most significant impacts is the pollution of oceans, primarily through plastic waste.
Plastics pose a severe threat to marine environments and subsequently to human health.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest of five ocean garbage patches, located in the northern Pacific Ocean.
It is formed from debris entering the ocean via lakes, rivers, and streams, trapped in a vortex created by ocean currents.
Size comparison: More than three times the size of Texas, extending from Japan to Hawaii and California.
Calculating the total amount of garbage is challenging due to dense layers of debris.
Compositions of garbage:
- Predominantly type H plastics and type F foam plastics.
- Includes abandoned fishing nets and plastic ropes.
Plastic pollution is extensive: 180 times more plastic than food is found in the patch.
Sea turtles and other marine life often consume plastic, leading to unhealthy diets (up to 74% composed of ocean plastics).

Although initially affecting marine species, the impact extends to humans.
Plastics do not degrade but break down into microplastics, which infiltrate the food supply (e.g., seafood, sea salt).
Microplastics disrupt the human endocrine system, causing hormonal imbalances.

Acknowledge the environmental impact of human activities.
Individuals, families, and communities can influence positive change.
Support organizations like For Ocean and The Ocean Cleanup through donations and volunteering.
Personal actions to mitigate plastic use:
- Recycling plastic bottles and containers.
- Reducing overall plastic consumption.
- Reusing existing plastic products.
Advocate for awareness regarding ocean waste and microplastics.

Change begins with individual effort; collectively we can address and solve the issue of ocean plastic pollution.
Together, we can work towards a sustainable future for our planet.